FOR some, it’s officially Christmas when they first see the John Lewis or Coca Cola advert. For me, it’s when I watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Frank Capra’s 1946 film has enchanted audiences for decades, and this new adaptation for stage is a worthy successor, rich in emotional wealth with some superb performances from the cast.

Written in the style of a radio play, complete with 1940s' adverts, the aesthetic is a beautiful touch. Fiona Martin’s set is stylistic and invokes the golden era of wireless perfectly, and attention to costume is equally effective. The adverts between acts of the play are tongue-in-cheek and excellently paced for comic effect.

The cast give incredibly strong performances, with special mention to Benjamin Chamberlain, who has mastered multi-rolling with ease. Oliver Stoney has the hardest job, competing against the audience’s memories of Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey. However, he makes the role his own and perfectly captures George’s frustration. As he clasps his hands in prayer, Stewart is out of my mind: Stoney has become George Bailey.

There’s plenty of on-stage action to keep the audience focused. Director Guy Retallack’s decision to use minimal props pays off brilliantly, creating some good physical theatre. The addition of assistant stage manager Susan Burns on stage managing sound effects rounds off the radio “feel” without distracting attention from the main action.

This show provides a different experience to the film: film aficionados are advised not to expect every line of dialogue repeated verbatim, but the script’s carefully handled and does a brilliant job in recreating the same principles of kindness and selflessness that make the story so touching.

Everything, from the little acts of intimacy between Stoney and Augustina Seymour’s Mary, to the expertly recreated soundtrack, makes this a beautiful adaptation, which is sure to become a beloved staple of Christmas theatre.